Family-School Partnership Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Strategies for creating and maintaining reciprocal partnerships between teachers and parents are considered essential elements of developmentally appropriate practice in early childhood education (ECE). Particularly for children who are high-risk for behavioral, developmental, or mental health problems, effective partnerships between family and preschool are essential for promoting optimal classroom participation and learning outcomes. The current study is an uncontrolled (pre-post) feasibility trial of Family-School Partnership Intervention (FPSI). FSPI was developed using stakeholder input, is delivered by existing preschool staff, and aims to promote development and reduce barriers to learning among children with pre-clinical social-communication delays. FSPI integrates evidence-based practices (EBPs) from education (7 EBPs; National Association for the Education of Young Children) with clinical interventions for toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (12 EBPs at the educator-parent level and 8 EBPs at the parent-child level; Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions). Data will be collected across 10 ECE programs. At each participating ECE program, research procedures will be completed during a single school year. Selected ECE programs will include public school, Head Start, and private preschool programs. Participants include 20 non-teaching support staff (1-2 per program; e.g., director, principal, education-coordinator), 30 lead teachers (2-4 per program), and 60 children with social-communication deficits (two per teacher). Data collection will focus on feasibility data (enrollment, attendance, attrition, data completion), observational measures of implementation fidelity (at the educator-parent and parent-child level), and mixed methods to evaluate educator and parent acceptability and satisfaction and identify implementation drivers/barriers. This research will prepare a large, multi-site hybrid trial to evaluate the effectiveness of FSPI for promoting social-communication skills and kindergarten readiness, in addition to factors that mediate the relation between FSPI delivery and fidelity (implementation drivers/barriers).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.
What data supports the effectiveness of the Family-school Partnership Intervention (FSPI) treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Research shows that involving parents in school-based interventions for children with autism can improve communication between parents and teachers, which is linked to better outcomes for the children. Additionally, school-based interventions that integrate care between parents, teachers, and medical providers have shown improvements in autism-related behaviors and social responsiveness.12345
How is the Family-School Partnership Intervention (FSPI) treatment different from other treatments for autism spectrum disorder?
The Family-School Partnership Intervention (FSPI) is unique because it focuses on improving communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, which can enhance outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder. Unlike other treatments that may not involve parents, FSPI emphasizes the importance of family involvement and parent-teacher relationships to support the child's development.12678
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for children with social-communication challenges who are attending classrooms of participating preschool teachers. It's designed to help those at high risk for behavioral or developmental issues, specifically focusing on kids with pre-clinical signs of autism spectrum disorder.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention Implementation
Family-School Partnership Intervention (FSPI) is implemented, involving training and resources for teachers to engage families in FSPI Playgroup meetings over the school year.
Data Collection and Evaluation
Data collection focuses on feasibility data, implementation fidelity, and mixed methods to evaluate acceptability and satisfaction.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for the effectiveness of FSPI in promoting social-communication skills and kindergarten readiness.
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Family-school Partnership Intervention (FSPI)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of North Texas, Denton, TX
Lead Sponsor
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
Collaborator